The Coaching Lab

hIn today's episode, I talk with Kevin White and we discuss things he's done this summer to build his new program and how he is developing players' habits, mindset, and coaching staff before the season starts. Get ready to take notes as he drops a ton of knowledge in this episode. If you're a coach that would love to lead your team and program to new heights but your not sure how to do this, I invite you to check the Championship Program Builders Group at coachmattdennis.com. I'll be teaching coaches how to be intentional leaders who design their basketball program for success so players and coaches thrive and you win more games. Connect with me at: twitter.com/coachmattdennis coachmattdennis.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's episode, I sit down and talk with FunRaisen CEO Anthony Gerson. He is a busy dad, business owner, and coach who has coached both school sports and travel sports. He breaks down the disconnect he saw between teams and the people they were asking to support them and how FunRaisen offers a unique approach that allows coaches to easily raise funds, connect with their supporters, and build team chemistry. For more information about FunRaisen, you can go to www.funraisen.com. Anthony and his team can be contacted at a@funraisen.com or support@funraisen.com. If you're a new coach that is looking to build your team or program I encourage you to connect with me inside the Coaching Lab at www.coachmattdennis.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's episode, we will look at how to motivate players. I'll offer some thoughts on different approaches that I've found to work in my program. If nothing else, I know you'll get the wheels spinning in your mind to find out what will work with your program. If you're looking for resources on creating a better team or leading your program I encourage you to check out The Coaching Lab at coachmattdennis.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's episode, we will look at some of the do's and don'ts of open gym. At times we are a bit handcuffed by state association rules and then other times we can have some input. When we are able to have some input we want to be sure our players are getting the absolute most they can every time they step on the floor for open gym. If you're looking for resources on creating a better team or leading your program I encourage you to check out The Coaching Lab at coachmattdennis.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In this episode, I take a quick look at three areas that make your camp go but aren't talked about very often. 1. Online Sign-Ups 2. Liability Waivers and Liability Insurance 3. Staffing (Hiring/Volunteers) Each area is important and shouldn't be overlooked but I know they aren't as fun as drills and games.

In this episode, I share two formulas I've found to be very helpful when it comes to running a successful camp. 1. Fun = Competition or Competition = Fun 2. The Rule of 10 Each formula leads to more engagement and focus from the campers. They don't want to listen to a bunch of talking, they want to be active. To learn more about each formula take a listen to this quick win episode. If you're looking at starting your own camp or you want to improve the camp you already have at your school you may like my Starting and Running A Basketball Camp From A-Z course. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's episode, I'll be sharing why I changed my camp structure so I'm now the Camp Director instead of the Camp Coach. In both cases, I am running the camp still, but as the Camp Director, I can scale the camp to have more campers while helping my basketball program grow and stay relevant in the community. Whether you have a camp or you're thinking about running a camp I encourage you to check out Starting and Running A Basketball Camp From A-Z Course. You'll get everything you need to grow a successful, profitable basketball camp. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's podcast, I'll share 3 strategies you can use to increase your basketball camp attendance. I'll specifically look at ways to use email, schools, and social media to get the word out about camp so registration will come rolling in. If you have a camp already or you're thinking about starting one you'll definitely want to check my Starting and Running A Basketball Camp From A-Z Course. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

Players build shooting habits and these habits will make them a good/consistent shooter or bad/inconsistent shooter. In today's episode, I'll share four ideas to help your players build the right habits to become a good shooter. - Legs Loaded - Position 3 to 4 Shooting - Directional Passes - Foot Movement For more great coaching content I encourage you to check coachmattdennis.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In episode 23, I talk a little about something I recently saw on social media and break down the four reasons it's a good idea to shoot on-air and four reasons it's not a good idea. As with most things, there is a time and place for both. For more great coaching content check out coachmattdennis.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In this episode, I go through the four ways I break down a shot along with some drills I use to teach players of all levels to become better shooters. I'll walk you through the first three ways today with the fourth coming in a later episode. 1. Hand Position 2. Waist Up Movement 3. Waist Down Movement 4. Synergy when putting it all together Links mentioned in this episode: Teaching Hand Position 1,2,3,4 Shooting Method For more content and coaching resources head over to coachmattdennis.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's episode, we listen in on a Friday Coaching Clinic I held at CoachMattDennis.com on the 6 Overlooked Skills That Win Games. These skills are things your players likely know how to do but they don't do them enough of the time to make them automatic in games. You'll also be reminded that players will do what the coach emphasizes. If coaches don't add these skills to the workout or practices they will likely cost you a game or two. Find the next Friday Coaching Clinic by visiting coachmattdennis.com. If you can't make a clinic live be sure to sign-up so you'll receive the replay and resources I discuss during each clinic session. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

If you want to have your players play all four quarters strong you don't want to miss this. I'll break down how I use the 1:4 work to rest ratio to help condition my athletes to play hard for four quarters and then move them to a 1:2 or even 1:1 ratio so they can build stamina. For more basketball coaching resources join the Coaching Lab at www.coachmattdennis.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's episode, I'll go over the 4 steps coaches should use to teach motion offense to youth players at the elementary and middle school levels. I even throw in some thoughts on how every team runs motion when rebounding missed shots. 1. Know Your Rules 2. Allow Players To Make Mistakes 3. Introduce Small-Sided Games 4. Give Them Time For more basketball coaching resources join the Coaching Lab at www.coachmattdennis.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

This week I take a look at two different ways to set up a system for your baseline and sideline out of bounds plays. Having an organized approach for your players to think and remember out of bounds plays is critical to getting the most out of each play. It also helps when you would like to add new wrinkles when playing an opponent a second time or playing against a team who has done a good job scouting you in tournament play. Check out the Coaching Lab at coachmattdennis.com if you'd like proven out of bounds plays for any level of basketball. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

Are you looking to better your team's performance? Today we will look at things you can do in practice to boost their performance right away. I'll share 3 strategies and the progression I use to make certain my team is getting better every time we step on the court. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

If you have the luxury of having an assistant coach you need to make sure you utilize their time and knowledge the best way possible. Today, we will dive into 4 ways you can do just that. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's episode, I share my thoughts on why there isn't just one best offense. I also give you 9 questions to help you better develop the offense you've chosen. It doesn't matter if you run the Flex, Dribble Drive, Read and React, Princeton, or the 1-4 High offense I know you'll walk away a better coach today. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

As the season gets underway for many coaches I want to remind you of 6 things you do and don't want to do this season. Feel free to send me a do and don't that you would add to this by emailing me at matt@coachmattdennis.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In today's episode, I walk you through all things tryouts. We will look at: - The 4 keys to good tryouts - How to best use your time - The Scaffolding strategies to evaluate players - The formula for choosing the right players - How to let a player go (make cuts) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

Today we look at how to use the shell drill to make your team the best defense team possible. I offer thoughts on: variations to use with your team delegating responsibilities to your assistants or managers key coaching points preparing for opponents getting your team used to playing with chaos Thanks for listening. If you haven't checked out coachmattdennis.com now is a great time to get better as a coach. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

Today we will look at over 20 different ideas to use to help improve your team's free-throw shooting. While you won't use every idea, I know you'll have more tools to use as you prepare your team for a successful season. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

Today we look at 5 quick wins that you can use right away. Three of the quick wins are athlete-centered and focused on making the athletes experience better while the other two quick wins are coach-centered and will challenge you to get better. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

The off-season is often a time coaches encourage their players to get shots up, work on their ball handling, and become an all-around better player. After all, championships are won in the off-season, not during the season. Well, what about coaches? Should coaches be doing the same to make themselves better? I think so and today I'll share three simple questions to ask your self to make you a better coach in your upcoming season. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

Building a program is something all varsity coaches dream about. They want to create something special that will last a long time and of course, create a lot of wins. In today's episode, we will look at 10 strategies to build a better program. No matter if it's your first year taking over a program or you're looking to improve what's already in place these 10 strategies are sure to add value to your program. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

We recently wrapped up our Summer Skills Challenge and I look back at what I liked and what I learned during this time. Overall it was great to get the players in the program involved and getting better even though we couldn't do basketball like summers past due to with Covid-19. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

Today I share thoughts on how we can get more done in less time if we have an essentialist mindset towards our practices and our lives. We all get caught up in the hype of doing more and expecting to get more done and feel more fulfilled. What if we took the exact opposite approach and said we need to focus on the most important area are team needs to improve on first and then we move on from there. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit Of Less - Greg McKeown --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

Leadership is something all coaches want to have on their team, but many don't intentionally build. This week I give examples of what leadership is and isn't and strategies to build better leaders on your team. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In episode 004 I take you through how we are scoring and recording the Summer Skills Challenge points between players and groups, some of the ways we are using social media, and some of the unknown hurdles we have come across. Resources: Summer Skills Challenge Score Sheet Week 1 - Summer Skills Challenges --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In episode 003 we look at moving from "Developing A Plan For Summer" to the "Summer Skills Challenge." I'll share the following items with you during this episode: 1. Creating a kick-off for excitement and focus in your players 2. 4 tools I used to bring it all together 3. Building leaders and players who want to be a part of the program Links: Zoom.us Canva.com Instagram.com (An app for your phone. You can view Instagram on a computer, but it is built for mobile devices so you can't post unless you're on a phone or tablet.) WhatsApp.com (An app for your phone, but can be downloaded on a computer, to create groups and connect with your players.) Summer Skills Challenge Warm-Up Graphic --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In this episode, I'll break down two ideas: 1. Having A Meeting Before The Meeting 2. Our Summer Skills Challenge I'm laying it all out there, from start to finish. You can follow along, borrow or steal an idea, or hit me up with a question. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message

In episode 1 I give you a little background information on myself and my coaching journey as well as insight into what the Coaching Lab Podcast is all about. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coaching-lab-podcast/message